Every minute 20 people leave their homes to flee from war, terror, and persecution. The 1951 UN Refugee Convention states that refugees must be guaranteed such basic rights as housing and education, the right not to be expelled from a host country, the right not to be punished for illegal entry, and more. Today on World Refugee Day, we reaffirm these rights. We also add that refugees, as well as all people, have the right to live in a world without war.
From the borders of US/Mexico to the Mediterranean Sea, thousands across the globe are blocked or pushed back from finding a better quality of life.
The statistics are staggering:
65.6 million forcibly displaced
40.3 million displaced internally
5.3 million Palestinian refugees
2.8 million asylum seekers
However, Trump signed an executive order in January that cuts refugee resettlement funding. He is also working quietly to reduce the number of refugees accepted from 110,000 to 60,000.
As the refugee crisis explodes, it is more critical than ever that we open our doors. Tell US Ambassador Nikki Haley to support the welcoming and ensuring of basic rights for refugees. Don't forget to share the image above on Facebook and Twitter.
Also, please consider wearing our Refugees Welcome t-shirts as well as Drop Earrings, Not Bombs handmade by a Syrian refugee in Istanbul. You can also order our I Heart posters or download them from our website.
Towards a world where all are safe and protected,
Ann, Ariel, Brienne, Haley, Jodie, Katie, Mariana, Mark, Mary, Medea, Nancy, Paki, Paula, Taylor and Tighe
